Otoplasty Conveniently located to serve New Jersey and Howell

There are many reasons why one could have disproportionate ears. Whether the issue is a result of a deformity, accident, or genetic predisposition, misshapen ears can bring your facial appearance out of balance. This issue is a great concern for patients both young and old. At Z Facial Plastic Surgery, we’re dedicated to helping our patients look and feel their best through cosmetic procedures designed with their specific needs in mind. Dr. Zhuravsky has helped a great deal of patients in New Jersey reclaim their confidence by enhancing the shape of their ears with Otoplasty.

What is Otoplasty?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to improve the shape of the ears and bring them in balance with other facial features. This procedure is often referred to as “ear pinning” as its goal is to set back over-protruding ears. Otoplasty can be customized to fit the needs of each individual patient and can be performed on children and adults.

Candidates for Otoplasty

Otoplasty is a useful plastic surgery for those who need help dealing with ears that protrude too far from the head or have acquired a misshapen appearance. It is a versatile treatment that can address ear problems that arise in children and adults. During your consultation, Dr. Z will perform an examination of your ears and discuss your medical history to help determine if you would make a good candidate for otoplasty.

What to Expect During Your Otoplasty

Dr. Zhuravsky will begin the otoplasty by administering an anesthetic for your comfort during the surgical procedure. After it has taken effect, he will begin making the required incisions. It is accomplished by making incisions behind the ear and making the corrections required to bring the proportions of the ears in balance with one’s facial aesthetic. Doing this requires a great deal of precision and attention to detail. Dr. Z will perform the procedure with the utmost care when correcting the issues and creating a look that appears natural and seamlessly molds in with the rest of the face. The procedure may take between one to three hours and patients can safely return home the same day the surgery is performed.

Otoplasty Recovery

After the surgery is completed, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort in the treatment area. These issues are normal and will subside. Recovery time is expected to be approximately 1 week. During this time, we advise that you take a break from work and strenuous physical activity. Dr. Z will help guide you through the recovery process to help make sure you experience the best results possible.

Contact Our Office

Dr. Zhuravsky is a board certified facial plastic surgeon who strives to deliver the best Otoplasty procedure in New Jersey. Contact Dr. Zhuravsky to see how he can help you achieve your desired appearance.

OTOPLASTY AT A GLANCE::

PATIENT GOALS:	Reduce prominence and protrusion of the ears
SURGICAL GOALS:	Reduce excess ear cartilage Create an antihelical fold
ANESTHESIA / SURGICAL LOCATION OPTIONS	General (Hospital or Surgery Center) Local (In Office)
PROCEDURE LENGTH	1 – 3 hours
RECOVERY TIME	7 – 10 days
PAIN LEVEL	Moderate

Otoplasty Frequently Asked Questions

• What Are Over Protruding Ears?

  Overly prominent or protruding ears are present from childhood. They can be aesthetically bothersome for some individuals and even lead to issues such as wearing helmets. Ears can protrude for one of two reasons, or a combination of the two. The concha bowl is the larger bowl-like portion at the center of the ear. Over growth of this portion of the ear can push it forward, thus protruding the ear. Another reason is the lack, or under-development of the antihelical rim. The top outer portion of the ear that curves around is called the helical rim. Just inside this is another fold called the anti-helical rim. This antihelical rim is actually an area where the ear folds back on itself, so if this is not present, this area will be flat and the ear will be protruded forward.

• When Can Otoplasty Be Performed?

  People of various ages seek to have otoplasty either for themselves or their children. Since this is something that noticed during childhood parents often ask about it early on, but it is generally advisable to wait at least until the age of 5. Some adults have protruding ears that they find bothersome and seek to have these corrected in adulthood.

• How Is Otoplasty Performed?

  While this can be performed under general anesthesia or with local numbing and the patient awake, it is best to have children under general anesthesia. Adults have the option of being awake. In all cases, the incision is made behind the ear. For cases of concha bowl excess (see above), the extra cartilage is trimmed away. The ear is then brought back to a neutral position and sutured in place. In cases lacking an anti-helical rim and fold in the cartilage is created with sutures.

• What Is the Recovery After Otoplasty?

  After the procedure a compression dressing is placed. This is a wrap around the head to keep the ears in position and limit swelling. It is changed after 24 hours to a less bulky dressing compression dressing that is left in place for 1 week. Patients report a mild to moderate throbbing, with most of the discomfort coming from the constant pressure around the head and ears, however it is very tolerable. Sutures are removed after 7 days. The patient wears a light compression dressing nightly for the first month to ensure good healing.